Who says you have to choose between pizza and burgers? With this ultimate pizza burger recipe, you get the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful beef patties topped with all your favorite pizza toppings. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering fusion dish!
Table of Contents
What is a Pizza Burger?
A pizza burger is the delicious lovechild of two of the world’s most beloved comfort foods: pizza and burgers. Imagine biting into a juicy burger patty topped with melty mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices—pure magic in every bite!
The Origin of Pizza Burgers
While the exact origins of pizza burgers are a bit murky, they gained popularity in the U.S. in the late 20th century as a creative way to combine two favorite foods. This hybrid dish has since evolved into countless variations, each more exciting than the last.
Why You’ll Love This Fusion Dish
Pizza burgers bring together the savory flavors of a classic pizza and the hearty satisfaction of a burger. Whether you’re a pizza lover, a burger fan, or both, this recipe offers a new twist on traditional favorites that’ll leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Pizza Burger
To make the ultimate pizza burger, you’ll need a combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance both the pizza and burger components.
Essential Ingredients for the Patty
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Pizza-Inspired Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 4 burger buns
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Pizza Burger
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the preparation!
Preparing the Burger Patties
Choosing the Right Meat
The best meat for pizzaburgers is ground beef with an 80/20 ratio—80% lean meat and 20% fat. This provides a juicy, flavorful patty. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
Forming the Patties
Form four equal-sized patties from your ground beef mixture, making sure to press a slight indent in the middle of each patty. This ensures the patty cooks evenly and doesn’t puff up.
Cooking the Patties to Perfection
Grill or cook your patties on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat. For extra flavor, try adding a little bit of olive oil to the pan before cooking.
Preparing the Pizza Sauce
Simple Pizza Sauce Recipe
If you want to make a quick homemade pizza sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer the ingredients in a small saucepan for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pizza Burger
Equipment
- Grill or Skillet Purpose: For cooking the burger patties.Details: You can either use a grill for that smoky flavor or a stovetop skillet for indoor cooking.
- Spatula Purpose: For flipping the burger patties and handling the toppings.Details: A flat, sturdy spatula is ideal for turning burgers and pressing down the toppings.
- Saucepan Purpose: For warming the pizza sauce.Details: Use a small saucepan to heat up your tomato-based pizza sauce before adding it to the burger.
- Knife and Cutting Board Purpose: For slicing toppings like onions, mushrooms, and peppers.Details: A sharp knife and a stable cutting board are essential for preparing fresh ingredients.
- Cheese Grater (optional) Purpose: For grating cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.Details: If you’re using block cheese, a grater will help you get the perfect cheese shreds for melting on the burger.
- Baking Sheet (optional) Purpose: For melting cheese or keeping burgers warm.Details: If you’re cooking multiple burgers, you can use a baking sheet to keep them warm in the oven while the cheese melts evenly.
- Tongs Purpose: For handling ingredients and flipping the patties.Details: Tongs give you better control when handling hot ingredients, especially when grilling or moving the burgers.
- Toaster (optional) Purpose: For toasting burger buns.Details: A toaster or grill can be used to lightly toast the buns, adding a crispy texture that holds up better against the sauce and toppings.
- Sauté Pan Purpose: For cooking toppings like mushrooms or onions.Details: Sauté any vegetable toppings to soften them before adding to the burger.
- Basting Brush (optional) Purpose: For spreading pizza sauce on the burger patties.Details: A basting brush can help you evenly coat the patties with pizza sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 4 burger buns
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Get your grill/pan/etc hot for the burgers.
- 2. Mix ground beef, Italian sausage, and pizza seasoning (oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic)together. Divide into 8oz (1/2 lb) portions (or you can use smaller 6oz portions). Flatten intopatties that are about 1/2 inch larger than the buns.
- 3. Put a thumbprint in the middle of the patty so it doesn’t puff up when cooking.
- 4. Grill your burgers about 4min on the first side.
- 5. While burgers are grilling, heat marinara sauce in a pan on med-low heat until warm. Heatpepperoni on a pan or on tinfoil on the grill for a couple minutes.
- 6. Flip burgers and cook until you reach the correct temp (140F for medium), usually about 2 to 4minutes. Top burger with sliced cheese about a minute before taking off the grill.
- 7. Place buns face down on the grill for a minute or two to toast.
- 8. Add burgers to buns, spoon on marinara, add pepperoni & sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Store-Bought Sauce vs. Homemade
Store-bought pizza sauce works well if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce brings out fresher, more robust flavors. The choice is yours!
Assembling the Pizza Burger
Choosing the Right Bun
Soft and sturdy buns are key for holding all those delicious toppings. Brioche or sesame seed buns work great for this recipe.
Adding Toppings and Sauces
Once your patties are cooked, place them on the buns. Top each patty with a spoonful of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Broil or grill for a minute to melt the cheese.
Tips for the Best Pizza Burger
Cooking Temperature and Timing
Keep an eye on your grill or stove temperature to avoid overcooking the patties. A meat thermometer will help ensure your patties are perfectly cooked.
Customizing to Your Taste
Feel free to get creative with your pizza burger! Add mushrooms, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized twist.
What to Serve with PizzaBurgers
Pizza burgers pair well with garlic fries, Caesar salad, or even some cheesy bread-sticks. For a lighter side, try serving with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
Healthier Variations of PizzaBurgers
Leaner Meat Options
If you’re looking to cut down on fat, consider using ground turkey or chicken for the patties. These options are just as tasty and provide a lighter meal.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
For a vegetarian option, replace the beef patty with a plant-based patty. Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free pizza sauce to make the recipe entirely vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions About PizzaBurgers
Can I Use Frozen Patties?
Yes, you can use frozen patties, but fresh is always best for optimal flavor and texture.
What Cheese Works Best for Pizza Burgers?
Mozzarella is the go-to for that classic pizza taste, but you can also experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack.
Can I Make Pizza Burgers in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the patties in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion: The Perfect Combo of Pizza and Burger in One Bite
With this pizza burger recipe, you won’t have to choose between pizza and burgers ever again. The combination of juicy patties, gooey cheese, and savory pizza sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Cook Mode
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
| 10 minutes mins | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
FAQs
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza Burgers?
Yes! Wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Pizza-Burgers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes.
How Long Will Pizza Burgers Last in the Fridge?
Pizza burgers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I Make the Patties in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the patties up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to add any pizza toppings you love! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives are all great options.
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